Ty Simpson Talks About The Likelihood He Goes To The Steelers: "I'm Super Blessed And Excited"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are putting the finishing touches on the preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft as the event kicks off on Thursday, and the organization holds the 21st overall pick. Things are a little fuzzy when it comes to predicting what direction the franchise might want to go in during the first round. Typically, it is a little bit easier to get a read on what position the team might go with, but there is a multitude of options this time around. The left side of the offensive line needs some help, the offense could use another wide receiver, and depth in the secondary on defense is needed. However, quarterback is still on the table as well.

For most of the 2026 offseason, up until this point, it has seemed like a quarterback in the first round was completely off of the table. Fernando Mendoza is the only lock to go on night one, and he is going to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Ty SImpson is the only other quarterback with a chance to go in the first round, and it has seemed like the Steelers would be more interested in going after a quarterback on Day 2 or Day 3. A player like Carson Beck has seemed more reasonable for Pittsburgh. Despite that, Simpson spoke to the media on Wednesday morning about potentially being a Steeler.

"It's a great organization, a real gritty, like I said, just a city that represents the organization," Simpson said. "Coach McCarthy is going to do a great job there. He has stuff in line, and Omar was great as well. I really have a ton of respect for them. If I ever got to play for those guys, or was blessed to hear my name called on Thursday night, it's going to be so surreal. Especially being here in Pittsburgh. So, I'm super blessed and excited."

The Steelers met with Simpson at the NFL's Scouting Combine, so there has been some interest in the quarterback from the organization. However, he was not brought into the facility for a pre-draft Top 30 visit. There has been some speculation that the front office may not be interested in him, but the desperation at quarterback is hard to ignore as Aaron Rodgers still has not committed to the franchise.

Simpson is a polarizing prospect as he looked extremely good at times during the 2025 season, but his college career did not end great. He tried to play through injury in the Rose Bowl, and he was eventually benched. Overall, his end to the season was not that great, and it certainly hurt his draft stock. That paired with his lack of experience is concerning, and beat writer Mike DeFabo of The Athletic has spoken about how that might be a deterrent to the organization in the past.

"While many analysts continue to speculate about Simpson going to the Steelers at pick No. 21, I get the feeling his limited experience (15 starts) will weigh heavily into the team’s evaluation and will be a deterrent — at least early in the draft." DeFabo wrote.

Various analysts and experts have stated that they have heard that the franchise likes Simpson. That could be true, but that doesn't mean the franchise will draft him with the 21st overall pick. The organization has hopefully learned a thing or two when it comes to reaching for a quarterback.

Steelers Can't Risk Drafting Simpson

The Steelers have too many holes on the roster to consider drafting a quarterback in the first round. The offensive line is not sound, and the offense needs more weapons. It would be another disaster waiting to happen if he were the pick at 21. It is a decision that could set the organization back a few years.

What do you think about the Steelers potentially bringing in Simpson? Let me know on X, @brogannoey.

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